Chapter 163: This Ability is Good
Chapter 163: This Ability is Good
“Don’t move, I have abilities!” Anran shouts, her voice trembling but firm. Her gaze sweeps over the Green Dragon tattooed man and his group, their hungry stares locked on her like wolves eyeing a helpless rabbit.
She raises her voice again: “Do you even understand what this means? I can accelerate plant growth! Not just flowers—I can grow crops too! Do you want rice? With me, there’s an endless supply! Fruits? Apples, bananas, even durian—you name it, I can grow it all. So don’t move, let Yun Tao go! Yun Tao, come over here!”
The Powder Snow Mountain in her hand continues to bloom, sprouting leaves and roots, expanding across the car roof. Beads of sweat roll down Anran’s back as she struggles to maintain control. Her energy feels like it’s draining, flowing into the plant like water feeding its rapid growth.
For a moment, the Green Dragon tattooed man halts his attack on Yun Tao. His attention shifts to Anran, his eyes narrowing as he watches the scene. Vines and roots surround Anran, creating a bizarre, almost magical sight.
He tilts his head slightly, a predatory smile curling across his face, and gestures toward her.
“This ability… is good,” he says, his voice dripping with a mix of greed and admiration. “Much more valuable than any combat ability. Come down, beautiful lady. Let’s talk.”
With a wink, he signals to his men, who immediately close in on the car. Several of them attempt to climb onto the vehicle, their intentions clear. They mean to capture her—after all, with such a rare and powerful ability, Anran would be a prized possession, a walking granary that could ensure survival.
Anran’s breath quickens as the situation escalates. “There’s nothing to talk about! Don’t come any closer!”
She crouches down on the car roof, her movements sharp and decisive. In one swift motion, she pulls a knife from behind her waist and presses its blade to her neck.
“If you even think about laying a hand on me, I’ll do it!” she shouts, her voice cracking with tension. "Don’t you dare imprison me! I’m not anyone’s possession. Let Yun Tao go! Try laying a finger on me, and see what happens! If I bleed, my ability’s effectiveness will drop significantly!"
The Green Dragon tattooed man freezes. His eyes widen slightly as he notices the tip of the knife already piercing Anran’s delicate skin, a faint bead of blood trickling down her neck. For a moment, he seems genuinely alarmed.
When the Azure Dragon man sees the knife tip already pressing into her slender neck, he immediately raises his hands, a look of genuine worry flickering across his face. The thought of diminished ability effectiveness troubles him—less rice and fruit would be a significant loss. Food is more valuable than gold and silver in these times. Fruits and rice in abundance? To people now, that’s the ultimate temptation. This woman has to be kept safe and pampered.
Forcing a smile, the Green Dragon tattooed man pats Yun Tao on the shoulder, as though they’re old friends. With a laugh, he shoves the injured man toward Anran.
“Here, take him,” he says, his tone almost friendly. But his eyes glint with malice.
Yun Tao, covered in blood and barely able to stand, stumbles forward. He glares at the Green Dragon tattooed man but doesn’t retaliate. Instead, he staggers to the side of Anran’s car.
Anran tosses the Powder Snow Mountain aside and jumps down from the car roof. She positions herself behind Yun Tao, still holding the knife to her neck, her guard unbroken. The Green Dragon tattooed man’s subordinates quickly surround the car, their presence heavy with tension. They know she isn’t going anywhere—not with so many eyes on her.
The situation is tenuous but stable for the moment. Yun Tao stands in front of Anran, his arm bleeding heavily, shielding her with his body. Despite his injuries, his stance is protective, unwavering.
The Green Dragon tattooed man lets out a loud, hearty laugh. His expression is that of a jovial host, but everyone knows better. Beneath his grin lies a ruthless cunning—his intentions are anything but kind.
“Brother Yun Tao, you’re too polite,” he says mockingly, gesturing toward the gas station office. “Miss, miss, let’s not be strangers! We’ve already fought and gotten to know each other. Why don’t we talk inside? Your brother here has lost so much blood—he can’t just stand around and bleed to death, can he?”
His smile is deceptively sincere, but the menace lurking behind it is unmistakable.
Inside the car, Liu Yuan gathers her courage. She carefully leaves the baby in the car, opens the door, and steps out. Shaking slightly, she walks over to Yun Tao and reaches out to support him.
The balance of power hangs precariously, but everyone knows one thing: the Green Dragon tattooed man isn’t giving up.